FCTA committed to quality healthcare delivery – Minister

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration (FCTA) toward strengthening healthcare delivery and supporting medical institutions across the territory.

Mahmoud gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja, at the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Annual General and Scientific Meetings of the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

The event was themed: “WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future.”

Representing the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, as the Chief Host, Mahmoud described the college’s Golden Jubilee as a significant milestone in West Africa’s medical history.

She commended the institution for its five decades of contributions to specialist medical training, scientific research, professional development, and excellence in clinical practice.

“A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being, and sustainable national development,” Mahmoud said.

She stressed that a robust healthcare system remains fundamental to regional prosperity and overall societal advancement.

The minister called on governments and key stakeholders to step up investments in medical education, specialist training, healthcare infrastructure and the general welfare of medical professionals.

She also advocated expanded mentorship and career development opportunities for young physicians to strengthen the region’s health workforce.

Mahmoud highlighted the critical roles physicians play beyond treating illnesses, citing their contributions to disease prevention, public health education and evidence-based policy formulation.

She encouraged the college to leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance clinical decision-making and patient care.

The minister praised the leadership and fellows of WACP for sustaining the vision of its founding fathers, while commending the Central Organising Committee, led by Dr Akin Moses, for hosting the milestone event.

Speaking earlier, the President of WACP, Dr Mourtalla Ka, called for stronger postgraduate medical education, enhanced scientific research and deeper regional collaboration to tackle emerging health challenges in West Africa.

Ka noted that the college had trained and certified thousands of specialist physicians over the past 50 years, significantly boosting clinical practice and health leadership in the sub-region.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers, past presidents, and senior fellows whose dedication sustained the college’s legacy.

The WACP president urged members to embrace advances in medical science while upholding professional ethics, human values, and continuous support for younger fellows and trainees.